An Olympic Sense of Place

In advance of Friday's meeting of the International Olympic Committee--generating outsize amounts of buzz for the Obamas' involvement in the pitch of their home city--the logos and selected videos from the four candidate cities: Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro, and Tokyo.

Chicago:
Madrid: Rio de Janeiro: Tokyo:

Regardless of all the other ramifications of something as massive as the Olympics, I find their marketing completely fascinating. (Some earlier examples of my enthusiasm for this topic here and here.) It is, among so many other things, a gargantuan exercise in place branding, and a massive projection of local qualities--culture, geography, language--to a global audience. What are the graphics, sounds, colors, that convey a sense of place that is, at once, both specific and universal? Separate from logistics, architecture, and politics, how do you package, express, and demonstrate something as complex and ever-changing as a city of millions, in a supposedly homogenizing world? Even without the Olympics, what are these four world cities' brands?

Comments

[Gretchen Ramsey]

Great post. Beautiful point about sense of place and globalization of culture.

[adjustable beds]

So it will be Rio. Their video is very well done, it captures the physical beauty of the city, the culture, and the vibrant fun loving nature of the people. If the video is any indication, they will do a great job with the Olympics.

[mark burns]

I love Rio's logo. Brasil is ready for this- there is so much talent and skill there. I hope the IOC thinks so as well.

[Custom Logo Design]

i agree with gretchen's comment.